When we are thinking about the way we want to be remembered in this world after we are no longer here, we may feel difficulty in even beginning to answer this. After all, not many want to think of those things at an early age, or maybe at any age. However, Selena Quintanilla, the queen of Tex-Mex, and one of the most crucial and influential artists of all time knew exactly what to reply at only 22-years-old. When asked how she wanted to be remembered after she was no longer here. She replied: “I want to be remembered not only as an entertainer but as a person who cared a lot, and I gave the best that I could. I tried to be the best role model that I possibly could.”

And surely, years after her death on March 31, 1995, this is the way we remember her. Selena was born on April 16, 1971 in Lake Jackson, Texas and made her musical debut when she became the lead singer in her father’s band called Selena y Los Dinos. From then on, her climb to the top was unlike anyone else had seen before. Selena created a huge impact in the world of entertainment and even on our modern pop culture. Although her roots were Mexican, her talent and success became the inspiration of many artists from all over the world, back in her time and in our current time. Her legacy has been an inspiration for many people and many artists who wish to follow in her footsteps.

But what is it about Selena and her music that makes everyone who comes across her and her works become enamoured with them? Well, the greatest reason is because Selena and her music are timeless. From generation to generation, her legacy has been passed down and continues to attract more people, from all over the world. Many recognize her music to be classic and iconic, and this isn't just exclusive to people from hispanic and latinx roots, but her impact spreads beyond any boundary. Ever since I can remember, Selena’s iconic songs such as ‘Como la Flor’, ‘Dreaming of You’, ‘No Me Queda Mas’ and many more hit music releases were always playing either at home and at parties.. And as the years passed, I can say that my experience is quite similar even now since Selena’s success is not limited by time and it seems to become even more popular with the decades. 

Selena’s success however was not only related to the music industry. Selena was an actress and a fashion designer. Aside from her music, Selena had a strong impact in the world of fashion. She started her own line of clothing called Selena Etc, which led to the opening of several boutiques where her designs were displayed and sold. Not only that but Selena was deeply involved in the fashion world and is still known as a fashion icon due to her incredible stage outfits which she had helped her own mom design which made her looks unique and exclusive to her. Her designs were ahead of their time and were“Defined by colorful two-piece sets, flared pants, and bedazzled bralettes, Selena's style literally shined”.

Everything Selena put her heart into ended up shining and making an everlasting impact. Selena also became quite the figure and spokesperson for many brands, especially for the makeup brand MAC which was the brand she used for her iconic red lipstick that she was known for using in every performance. As a tribute to her, MAC had released a lipstick collection inspired by Selena La Reina, which was also the name of the collection inspired by her. Her influence does not stop there, in our current times, Selena is a world-wide sensation who continues to be recognized and honored by people from all over the world. In 2020, Netflix honored the queen of Tex-Mex and her story by releasing an original series portraying her life. 

Selena has also been the inspiration for many artists that we know and love. One of the artists who was mostly touched by Selena was Jennifer Lopez, who embodied Selena in the 1997 movie. The movie was released shortly after Selena’s tragic death and this movie cemented not only her own legacy but it opened JLO’s world up to a level she had not yet seen before. The movie tells the story of the Tejana queen and her rise to fame and the tragic events that led to her murder. Certainly, the film has been quite impactful for the entertainment industry and how we remember Selena in our present day.

From then on books, documentaries, and series continue to narrate to us the story of the beloved artist who left too quickly and will continue to narrate the legacy of a star that always shines. While every adaptation of her life will continue to conclude in the terrible event that ended her life, it only shows us that though she may not be with us anymore physically, the garden she planted as her legacy continues to flourish with each passing day. Her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her and will continue to live in the hearts of those who will continue to come across her and love her, forever. Like Selena once said: “The goal isn't to live forever but to create something that will.”